Osteoarthritis or Spondylitis or Prolapsed (Slipped) Disc

Whereas osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which develops most commonly in the larger weight-bearing joints-chiefly the hips,knees, or spine of older people, prolapsed disc and spondylitis are also sometimes confused with arthritic diseases because these conditions are also result of degenerated vertebrae. The only relation between osteoarthritis and spondylosis or prolapsed (slipped) disc is the degenerative factor. Spondylosis or prolapsed discs are not arthritic diseases. These conditions can occur even due to injury or over straining. 

GOUT Gout develops only after years of elevation of serum uric acid. The high uric acid level (the normal range of uric acid in blood serum is 3.0 to 6.0 mg per 100 ml) sometimes results from hereditary defects in the body chemistry or after use of certain types of medications.   who have an elevation of serum uric acid develop needle-like crystals in their joints, which lead to the severe inflammation, 

Swelling, and tenderness, characteristic of gout. Although gout can affect almost any part of the body, the large joint of the big toe is usually attacked first.

Gout can be controlled very effectively. Treatment calls for medications directed at reducing the level of uric acid in the system, there by preventing subsequent attacks of gout. While dietary changes were once a main stay of gout treatment, the effectiveness of the medications in lowering serum uric acid now makes special diets unnecessary.

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOUS 

(SLE)

This disease may damage many tissues throughout the body,such as the joints, internal organs, and skin. It occurs more often in women than in men, and while it occurs most often between the ages of 20 and 30 it can occur at any age. SLE is like rheumatoid arthritis in that it may show periods of improvement as well as those in which it flares up.Symptoms-including joint pain, fatigue, weakness, kidney problems, loss of weight, fever, and skin rash-appear in different combinations. In most cases the disease can be controlled, but not cured. 

It is important for people with SLE to remain under the close supervision of a physician to help avoid serious complications. SLE seems to affect people in many different ways, and many treatments are used, depending on the individual. Generally, rest and medication are advised, together with drugs to reduce inflammation.

ARTHRITIS AS A RESULT OF INFECTION 

Acute or chronic arthritis can occur when bacteria get into the joints. This has been known to occur along with tuberculosis, meningitis,and gonorrhea. Fortunately, this type of arthritis can be halted after laboratory tests identify the bacteria and appropriate antibiotic treatment is given.